mpg-o-editor, Author at mpgomatic.com

New Gas Mileage Standard:
54.5 MPG by 2025

November 16, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

Hold onto your hats. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have finally pulled the curtain on their proposed rule for the Obama Administration’s new gas mileage standard. An average of 54.5 miles per gallon (MPG) by 2025 may seem like a huge leap in a short time, but the numbers are not what they appear.

The 54.5 MPG figure is the EPA number for passenger vehicles, not what you’ll see on the window sticker. It’s a fudge factory powered by greenhouse gas emissions. The automakers will be able to use a range of technology incentives in one place to offset their numbers in another, including flex fuel, hybrid, and electric power trains. In real world terms, we might expect a sticker average of 40 MPG for cars that run on liquid fuel. That’s not all that extraordinary, considering all the cars with gas mileage ratings around 40 MPG highway that we can buy today.

And they wonder why so many Americans are so skeptical of what goes on in Washington.

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

November 18, 2011November 15, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

The Los Angeles Auto Show kicks off the American auto show circuit each fall with a significant eco twist. Yet every year, we’ve burned our travel budget by the time the LA Show rolls around. But fear not! We have an Ecoriffic way to deliver the news from LA this time out … We’re honored to host Autoline’s 2011 LA Auto Show coverage. Coverage is slated to start at 3:00 PM EST on Wednesday, November 16th.

Live Video app for Facebook by Ustream

Battle Cross: Pro Rally Drivers + Steel Mill = Insanity

November 15, 2011November 14, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

Just when you thought you’d seen every possible form of televised automotive entertainment, something new comes along. The new new is Battle Cross and the pilot episode airs this Thursday, November 17th on the SPEED Channel. Battle Cross answers the question: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a pro rally car through an industrial setting, flat out?

ACP Racing's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X rallycross car

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo Review

November 12, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo, Inferno Orange Metallic, 3/4 front view MPG-o-Matic 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Turbo Review Summary:
What a difference a year makes. While the outgoing Chevy Aveo ranked at the bottom of all the cars we’ve tested over the years, the brand new 2012 Sonic LTZ Turbo has muscled its way into the top of the sub-compact class.

If you’re shopping for a high-MPG sub-compact, your short list just got longer. The Sonic Turbo is a blast to drive and American-built, to boot.

2011 Dodge Charger R/T HEMI Review

November 12, 2011October 31, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic 2011 Dodge Charger R/T Review Summary:
Just when you thought we were at end of the era of the big V8-powered American sedan, the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T shows up as if to say, “hey, we saved the best for last!” The HEMI Charger delivers good old American performance, plenty of interior room and in-cabin technology, along with a surprising level of fuel efficiency when driven with a light foot. In all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim, the Charger R/T is an unlikely alternative for many folks that might otherwise think they need a SUV.